HE CHOSE THIS PATH FOR THEE.
He chose this path for thee;
No feeble chance, no hard, relentless fate,
But love, His love, hath placed thy footsteps here;
He knew the way was rough and desolate,
Knew how thy heart would often sink with fear,
Yet tenderly He whispered, "Child, I see
This path is best for thee." He chose this path for thee,
Though well He knew sharp thorns would tear thy feet,
Knew the brambles would obstruct the way,
Knew all the hidden dangers thou wouldst meet,
Knew how thy faith would falter day by day,
And still the whisper echoed, "Yes, I see
This path is best for thee." He chose this path for thee,
And well he knew that thou must tread alone
Its gloomy vales and ford each flowing stream,
Knew how thy bleeding heart would sobbing moan,
"Dear Lord, to wake and find it all a dream,"
Love scanned it all, yet still could say, "I see
This path is best for thee." He chose this path for thee.
What need'st thou more?—This sweeter truth to know,
That all along these strange, bewildering ways,
O'er rocky steeps, and where dark rivers flow,
His loving arms will bear thee "all the days."
A few steps more, and thou thyself shalt see
This path is best for thee.
—Selected.